b.Sally Small: Barrington
Cemetery Commission purchased additional property for future plots
(original endowment in 1910 was for 7 acres); Spalding Cemetery in
Lincoln where a Real Daughter is buried is in bad shape; additional
discussion of photographs of cemeteries and stones

c.Lee Teverow: The
Historical Society continues to field various standard questions;
discussion regarding a family that found a gravestone in their yard
which the database indicated was not originally located near their home;
refer family to local Commission or representative of the appropriate
county

d.Bruce MacGunnigle: Varnum
Memorial Army has an SAR gravestone (the original was replaced);
research on 6 Real Sons – photographs of all but 1 of the stones; 1850’s
map showing a cemetery that doesn’t exist now

e.David Kirchner: 2 Eagle
Scouts working on the trails and mapping where the trails go; RI Job
Corps maintaining gardens, additional burial fields and additional
niches; Department of Veterans Affairs will soon be a separate
Department

f.Letty Champion: “Colonial
Cemeteries of Newport” book printed previous day – over two years of
work invested – book includes 2 DVDs with over 9000 photographs of
stones; work on Veterans cards, GPS and photo project in Tiverton

1. Introduction of Minutes June 17, 2009 Motion to accept minutes as
presented by Robert Butler, with a second by Judith Fardig 11 – 0 to
accept minutes

2. Discussion on Rules and Regulations additions and changes

Several minor modifications and additions made, followed by a
lengthy discussion regarding 6.4 – Term Limits

Motion to approve Rules and Regulation addition and changes with
recommended amendments, separating out section 6.4 for now, made by
Bruce MacGunnigle with a second by Judith Fardig 12 – 0 to approve,
motion carries

Motion to approve Rules and Regulations additions and changes
section 6.4 as written made by Henry Duquette with a second by Paul
Robinson 8 – 4 to approve, motion carries

Revised Recommendations for Rules and Regulations additions and
changes are attached in a separate document

3. Report on documentation of Veterans’ cards by Chairwoman Wheeler

All cards have been photographed and put on CD’s

The cards have been divided by town, and a few Commission
members are currently working on transcribing them into an Excel
spreadsheet

Some cards, especially those for Civil War veterans, have an
amazing amount of detail on them

More transcription volunteers are needed

4. Update on website – Henry Duquette

The original proposal has been reviewed with Kenneth Rahn, and
some details were modified, but the framework remains the same

A host location for the database needs to be identified because
“administrator” access for users other than Ken can’t be granted in
its current location – the State Archives and Department of Health
Vital Records office were suggested

Guidelines need to be established for people who wish to submit
changes or additions

Discussion regarding John Sterling having granted permission to
use the data, and that he is still being notified of additions
changes, although his changes have not been updated at the original
database locations in quite some time

Henry will arrange another meeting with Ken to finalize the
proposal as soon as Ken is available

Chairwoman Wheeler will look into changing/updating the links
posted on RI Gen Web

5. Chairwoman Wheeler reported that he GPS project continues to move
forward – Barrington, Bristol, and Warren are done, and Warwick is about
half done

6. Report on City and Town Cemetery Commissions

All but 9 now have commissions

Coventry Friends Group has just started, with 6 – 8 attendees

West Warwick is still working on establishing their commission

Cranston’s commission is doing well

It was suggested that a list of all city and town cemetery
commissions be added to the Commission’s website

7. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Robert Butler nominated Evelyn Wheeler for Chairperson with no
additional nominees 11 - 0 for approval, with Chairwoman Wheeler
abstaining

Work on the clean up and restoration of Locust Grove, continues,
with the help of the Indian Council - the project ends in 9 days

Pegee Malcolm reported that the Warwick Historical Cemetery
Commission met with Rhode Island Airport Corporation President,
Kevin Dillon, regarding the airport expansion possibly impacting
four historical cemeteries. Essentially they were told that it is
too early to be able to determine what impact the expansion might
have on the cemeteries.

Warwick DPW will make signs, but questions regarding who has the
disk to create them

Sheldon Whitehouse’s office contacted Chairwoman Wheeler,
interested in trying to obtain some Federal funding for clean-up of
cemeteries with Veteran burials. Chairwoman Wheeler has a scheduled
meeting later this week with staff from his office.

Indian Council looking for information on the practical
applications of volunteering for cemetery clean-ups, repairs, etc…

Follow-up with Representative David Caprio needed to try to get
the pending modifications of RIGL 23-18 introduced during next
session

Chairwoman Wheeler distributed a draft of a letter to Gary
Alexander, the Director of the RI Department of Human Services and
the head of RI’s Veterans Affairs. Pegee Malcolm agreed to make some
revisions based upon Commission member’s feedback, and then
redistribute for further review.

Robert Butler made a motion to adjourn the meeting, with a second by
Lee Teverow. Meeting adjourned at 9:18 pm.

June 15, 2010 North Kingstown Public Library (Evelyn Wheeler to
arrange)

3. Chairwoman Wheeler reported that an Eagle Scout had
thoroughly cleaned Lincoln #30. Overgrowth was cleared, poison ivy was
killed, existing railings were repaired, donations for new railings were
obtained, and a local representative donated $50 for a new sign. The
Scout was unable to attend the meeting and do his presentation, but will
attend a future meeting. Chairwoman Wheeler encouraged all Commission
Members to ask their local representatives for donations for signs

4. Report from RIACHC Purpose and Rules Committee – Lee Teverow

Introduced and read the minutes of the June 8, 2009 meeting

Discussion regarding the fact that the RIACHC is a conduit for
passing information

Commission members must bring to the full Commission any issues that
are not fully addressed by RIGL, and the full Commission must approve
responses involving a dispute

Recommend adding to the Rules and Regulations information regarding
duties of officers, commission members, term limits, and procedures for
nomination of officers

Motion to request that the Purpose and Rules Committee draft
suggested additions to the Rules and Regulations and bring back to full
Committee by Bruce MacGunnigle, with a second by Robert Butler

13 - 0 to approve motion

5. Chairwoman Wheeler reported that Heather MacDonald has agreed
to a compromise with regard to her original request to renumber two EG
cemeteries

6. Report on Rules and Regulations filing by Chairwoman Wheeler

Rules and Regulations have officially been adopted – distributed at
meeting

Now complete with the exception of 6 stones that need to be checked.
John Sterling has been provided with the information.

9. Gary Alexander, the new Director of the RI Department of
Human Services sent letters requesting proposals. Discussion tabled.

10. Report on proposal for website by Henry Duquette

Introduced and reviewed the Proposal

Henry will review with Kenneth Rahn who is currently administering
the database website

11. DOT letters received for proposed project in Pawtucket

Discussion regarding possibly drafting a “Form Letter” that thanks
the DOT for informing the Commission, and refers them to the appropriate
local authority. Henry Duquette and Paul Robinson will develop a draft
for review.

12. Other Business

a. Bruce MacGunnigle reported that he found reference to two
cemeteries on his street while researching deeds, but that they only
appeared to be in use for a very short period before being moved . They
have been identified as EG #90 and #91, and he has been able to
determine who the likely burials were and where they have been relocated
to.

b. Robert Butler discussed a cemetery on Fish Hill Road on West
Greenwich/Coventry line that appeared in an 1840 deed but was moved in
the 1900’s to Maple Root Cemetery. John Sterling is going to assign a
number to it, but the owner of the property, who landscaped the area,
says there is no evidence of it

c. Sally Small, via e-mail, suggested that the Commission
consider setting up workshops for gravestone photography. The Rhode
Island Genealogical Society is doing one in September.

d. Coventry Cemetery Commission had a meeting on June 16, and
there were about 15 in attendance. Next meeting July 7th – location TBD

e. Chairwoman Wheeler passed around “In and About Westerly” by
Thomas O’Connell, who was in attendance

Bruce MacGunnigle made a motion to adjourn the meeting, with a second
by Robert Butler. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Chairwoman Wheeler announced that the meeting would be filmed by someone
making a documentary and asked if there were any objections – no
objections.

Next Commission Meeting will be held June 17th at 6:45pm at the Exeter
Veterans Cemetery, Administration Office.

Introduction of Minutes November 19, 2008

Lee Teverow requested that the minutes be modified to reflect that the
Rules and
Regulations are in DRAFT form
Motion to accept minutes as amended by Bruce MacGunnigle, with a second
by
Judith Fardig

12 – 0 to accept minutes as amended

Paul Robinson discussed his concerns that the Chairwoman had written
letters to the DOT in response to their requests for input regarding
construction projects in Cumberland, and that the letters had been
drafted without consensus of the other members, and went beyond the
Commission’s scope and purpose. It was agreed that the Commission is
currently limited statutorily to advise only the General Assembly, so
should refer such requestors to the City or Town.

Lee Teverow made a motion to form a subcommittee to clarify the purpose
of the
Commission, who the Commission reports to, who the Commission advises,
and
on what, with a second by Pegee Malcolm

Kenneth Rahn provided an update on the cemetery database, and it was
noted that he will work on a maiden name index, and entering the stone
type information as well. Discussion regarding who owns and is
responsible for maintaining the database, and that there needs to be a
formal and official process. Henry Duquette agreed to draft an outline
of questions and proposals for next meeting.

Henry Duquette discussed that Burriville will be conducting workshops
for property owners whose property abuts cemeteries, including
information on adoption, caring for cemeteries, legal issues, and rights
of way. He requested information on Rights of Way, and was referred to CRMC and RI General Law.

Evelyn discussed S0010/H5231 which increases the fine to $5000 for
damage to a soldiers and sailors tomb, monument, or gravestone.

Sally Small reported that the RI DAR chapter continues to work on a
project of locating and photographing pictures of the original DAR
members; Barrington Cemetery Commission is continuing their photographic
inventory project.

Evelyn Wheeler reported that the GIS project has 830 locations recorded,
with 61 confirmed. She is coordinating the project and is looking for
volunteers.

Edna Kent reported that Ponagansett High School has 16 gravestones on
their property that need to be located; Need volunteers with a chainsaw
to clear tree growth; Eagle Scout is going to clean the Pain-Martin
cemetery.

DOT is requesting the Commission’s input on a project in Little Compton
which James Spears didn’t get a chance to take a look at. Commission
members agreed that it’s not within their scope.

Lee Teverow reported that a Brown professor is looking for information
on slave cemeteries in RI – Newport, North Burial Ground, North Main
Street

Evelyn Wheeler reported that the documentation project for Locust Grove
Cemetery in Providence is up to the “M’s”.

Pegee Malcolm reported that the monuments were laid today for the Route
37 reburial project, and that landscaping will be done.

Chairwoman Wheeler reviewed the RIGL amendments that were previously
distributed to Commission members and will be introduced soon. Lee
Teverow requested that the full text of the laws, as well as an
up-to-date copy of the amended sections be sent to everyone prior to
approval.

Bruce MacGunnigle made a motion to adjourn the meeting, with a second by
Pegee Malcolm. Meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm.

Lee Teverow said
Goal 1 on development of the Commission’s Web site should be amended to
include wording that work continue on the cemetery database linked to
the site. The wording is needed to ensure the base is considered the
principal, up-to-date location for Rhode Island cemetery data. A motion
to accept the minutes as amended was made by Bruce MacGunnigle, with a
second by Edna Kent. The motion passed unanimously.

Member reports

Chairwoman Wheeler
reported that the Secretary of State has accepted the Commission’s Rules
and Regulations (32-18-3.1) and will make them available on the
Secretary of State’s Web site.

Chairwoman Wheeler
announced the Commission’s next meeting will be held April 15 at 6:45
p.m. in the Warren Senior Center, Kickemuit Village housing for the
elderly, 20 Libby Lane, Warren.

Chairwoman Wheeler
reported she was contacted by the Johnston Historical Society over plans
by the developer of a Walgreen’s drug store to build the store up to the
wall of an adjacent historical cemetery. Wheeler reported that the Town
of Johnston has issued a cease and desist order at the site on Cherry
Hill Lane off Atwood Avenue. After much discussion over the role the
Chairwoman should play in the controversy, the Commission suggested the
Chairwoman act only in an advisory capacity to Johnston officials.

Chairwoman Wheeler
reported she has received several calls from people concerned about
perpetual care not be being given to grave sites. Bruce MacGunnigle
reported there are sections of State Law (23-18-8.3 and 23.18.9) that
deal with how perpetual care money is to be use, how it must be kept in
a separate account from other cemetery monies, and how it is to be
invested.

Chairwoman Wheeler
reported she met with her State Representative on re-introducing in
January those rules and regulations of the Commission that have not yet
passed the General Assembly. She said those include more members from
Providence County, and to have a Commission quorum consist of 50 percent
of members plus 1.

Paul Robinson
reported he had been contacted by Doug Harris, the deputy historian of
the Narragansett Indian Tribe, wanting to know if the Commission knew
anything about an Indian burial mound having been located on Willow
Avenue in Narragansett. Chairwoman Wheeler, who lives in Narragansett,
said she would “talk to some of the old-timers in town.”

Margaret Malcolm
moved and Robert Butler seconded a motion that Chairwoman Wheeler
provide Commission members with a monthly newsletter on her activities,
along with issues she knew of that might impact the Commission. The
motion passed unanimously.

Lee Teverow
reported that she is trying to make the data base more accessible and
still trying to get an updated version of the database.

Edna Kent reported
that two test holes were dug next to the mounds in Gloucester and they
turned up only charcoal and stones.

Chairwoman Wheeler
reported that volunteers are still documenting Locust Grove Cemetery in
Providence. There is more to do and volunteers are needed.

Sally Small
reported that the Daughters of the American Revolution was trying to
locate the graves of 760 “real” Rhode Island daughters of the Revolution
-- those who were the daughters of fathers who fought in the
Revolutionary War. The DAR wants to re-set their stones and mark them.
So far, 26 have been done.

Closing

The meeting
adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on a motion from Evelyn Wheeler and a second by
Robert Butler.

After-Meeting
Presentation

Kenneth Rahn Jr.
gave an update of the Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries web site, and
the Locust Grove Cemetery project. He also reported that descriptions of
individual cemeteries should be added in the next week or so. They also
want to add a comment section.

Sally Small had a
question about a grave for Amey Evelyth buried in Locust Grove. She was
given the correct lot number.

Minutes of Meeting September 17, 2008

West Greenwich Town Hall In attendance: Evelyn Wheeler, Pegee Malcolm, Judy Fardig, Sally Small, Bruce MacGunnigle, Robert Butler, Lee Teverow, Edna Kent, David Kirchner
Excused Absences: Paul Robinson, Carolyn Crist-Schwab Former commission members who chose not to be reappointed: Rosemarie Mello and Roger Beaudry Meeting called to order at 6:35 pm by Chairwoman Wheeler Introduction of Minutes of June 18, 2008 by Chairwoman Wheeler
Sally Small requested that “Barrington Historical Cemetery Commission” be modified to read “Barrington Cemetery Commission”
Motion to accept minutes as amended by Bruce MacGunnigle, second by Robert Butler
9 – 0 to accept minutes as amended

Rules and Regulations have been approved by the Secretary of State and must be posted on their website for 30 days before they can become official

Member report on summer activities:

Lee Teverow: Has been attempting to reach John Sterling for assistance with database printing issues at the RIHS Library

David Kirchner: Veterans’ Cemetery groundstaff and DOT assisted with the Cranston reburial; Current focus is on the federally funded construction and renovation project at the Veterans Cemetery with a target date of November 1st for completion

Robert Butler: Current focus is on finding all the West Greenwich cemeteries – 140 have been located with GPS coordinates; Adopt a Cemetery program has about 45 people; After converting GPS coordinates to RI State coordinates, the Town Engineer will put cemeteries on all town plat maps

Edna Kent: Working with volunteers on brush removal; Working with a student volunteer at the Heritage Society Archives; Located new cemetery on Route 5 in North Smithfield; Greenville dance class has volunteered to clean a cemetery, MA resident will help locate an ancestral cemetery in Glocester

Bruce MacGunnigle: Katelyn Baccari has volunteered to photograph all gravestones in East Greenwich, and is working with Bruce on this project; Reynolds Family Association invited him to speak; Public Works Director of EG has begun the GPS program

Pegee Malcolm: Helping West Warwick Cemetery Commission get underway; attendance at Knight Street burials; Cleaned four cemeteries; Reburial of Charlotte Drive bones at Brayton Cemetery is scheduled for September 27th; Warwick Cemetery Commission meets the 1st Tuesday of every month – all are welcome to attend

Sally Small: Fannin-Lehner Restoration Consultants repaired 15 stones; Prince’s Hill Cemetery has lost 3-4 slate stones; Retired high school teacher is working on photographing and touching up photos of all gravestones in Barrington; Suggestion that graduating classes could photograph stones as a senior project each year

Judy Fardig: Project to clean up North Burial Ground in Warren – Boy Scouts helped to clean it up, the town put up a new fence, grass seed and flowers were planted, DPW will plant flowering trees, the Church’s roof drain was redirected to prevent future wash-out

Preservation Society Discussion regarding whether a work session needs to be scheduled for October to work on additional legislative modification suggestions. Decision was made to attempt to reintroduce previously proposed legislation for the January 2009 session before working on any new ones.

Demonstration by Kenneth Rahn on the new, searchable website for RI Graves. Following the demonstration, there was a general discussion regarding the future of the current database, and the scope of Kenneth’s project.
Motion by Bruce MacGunnigle to offer thanks to Kenneth Rahn for the time and effort he has put into this project.

Report on the Commission’s accomplishments over the past two years:

1. Updated the “black book” and delivered them to all cities and towns to help make them aware of the historic value of our cemeteries

2. Helped several cities and towns to formulate awareness and adoption programs for historical cemeteries including Historical Cemetery Committees

3. Requested cities and towns put cemeteries on their plat maps

4. Put up a website, www.historicalcemeteries.ri.gov with the help of a volunteer webmaster and RI.gov

5. Arranged to have John Sterling and Deby Nunes work on a link to make the website available to all instead of at a few libraries

6. Through news articles in the area newspapers and the NY Times, we have recruited many volunteers to clean up and document many cemeteries – on Earth Day as well as other times of the year.

Nominations and Elections for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson:

1. Bruce MacGunnigle nominated Evelyn Wheeler for Chairperson with a second by Robert Butler. Voted 7 – 0 for approval with Evelyn Wheeler and Pegee Malcolm abstaining

2. Bruce MacGunnigle nominated Pegee Malcolm for Vice Chairperson with a second by Robert Butler. Voted 7 – 0 for approval with Evelyn Wheeler and Pegee Malcolm abstaining

7. Work with locations who have the full database to fix printing issues, starting with the RIHS library and asking Roger Beaudry for assistance

Motion to adjourn meeting at 8:35 pm and begin Open Forum by Chairwoman Wheeler

Katelyn Baccari asked for some information regarding what to do with the EG gravestone photos she is taking as they accumulate, and a decision was made to save them on CD or DVD for now. Commission will follow up with John Sterling and Barbara Austin for suggestions.
New signs will not be made, as the workshop has been closed down. 80 old signs were found, with 20 still left to be picked up.
Discussion regarding the Missing in America Project, an organization dedicated to locating and interring unclaimed cremation remains.
Possible new cemetery found in Charlestown on Nature Conservatory grounds
A new cemetery (SK 204) has been located in South Kingstown

Recommendation by Pegee Malcolm that the Meeting Minutes include
Commission Members who are excused from the meetings

Introduction of Minutes of February 27, 2008 Work Session by Pegee
Malcolm Motion to accept minutes by Robert Butler, second by Judy Fardig
7 – 0 to accept minutes

Introduction of Minutes of April 30, 2008 by Pegee Malcom Motion to
accept minutes by Lee Teverow, second by Robert Butler 7 – 0 to accept
minutes

Any cemetery signs that are on order are on hold as “non-essential” –
may know more after July 1st

Narragansett and Cranston are in the process of starting Cemetery
Commissions – volunteers are needed to approach the remaining
towns/cities: Providence, North Providence, North Smithfield, Foster,
Richmond, Woonsocket, Scituate, Jamestown, Lincoln, and Newport

Steps to register new or found cemeteries

“New” or “found” cemetery is reported to Commission member

Member contacts Roger Beaudry or John Sterling with information
including GPS, stones, etc… to verify “new” or “found”

New number given if really a “new” cemetery, or an old one
“found”

Member notifies Town Clerk, Planner, and Assessor with
particulars to that the town/city can register the cemetery Bruce
MacGunnigle suggested that notification of the City/Town Public
Works Dept be added

Report by Pegee Malcolm on the status of the remains found in the
basement of the Potowomut home

The Forensic Anthropologist determined that the remains are of a
female, of African descent, approximately 40 – 70 years old,
approximately 4’11’ to 5’2”, who died between 1850 and 1900

PAL conducted a survey of the area outside the home that was to
be the location of the garage, but not the basement itself

The forensic anthropologist’s findings, as well as the findings
of the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission could not
rule out that there were additional bones of the woman found, or
additional burials, in the basement

The homeowner, despite his original stated intentions, has
sealed up the basement area in concrete

Pegee Malcolm, for the Warwick Historical Cemetery Commission,
has contacted multiple City departments, as well as the Mayor, in an
attempt to insure that the remainder of the basement be excavated to
locate any additional bones that may be there

Various donations have been made for a grave, plaque, etc… to
bury the remains

Pegee Malcolm has also conducted a title search, and death
records, in an attempt to identify the woman, but has been unable to
do so

Suggestions from the Commission members that the Forensic
Anthropologist and RI Historical Preservation and Heritage
Commission’s written reports be entered into the city record so that
the homeowner will need to finish excavation

Pegee Malcolm will request that the City Solicitor attend the
July meeting of the Warwick Historical Cemetery Commission

General discussion that the attitudes of state and local
governments, as well as how this impacts the public’s attitudes
regarding respect for human remains

Sally Small recommended that the procedure that individuals/companies
should follow if remains are found on their property be posted on the
Commission’s website to assist people in knowing what to do

RIGL 23-18-11 specifies the procedure

Paul Robinson offered to distribute a document from the RI
Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission to commission
members for review to see if it would be helpful information to post
on the website

Lee Teverow discussed the fact that the computer at the RI Historical
Society that has the database on it is not going to last much longer,
and that the DOS database only runs on Windows 95, so will need to be
converted if a new computer is purchased

Discussion that Kenneth Rahn is currently working on converting
the database, but the scope and status of the project is not known

Suggestion by Commission members that Kenneth Rahn be invited to
the next Commission meeting to update members

Bruce MacGunnigle discussed an out-of-state ancestor of one of EG’s
Historical Cemeteries has a meeting scheduled at the Town Hall the
following day. She is insisting that her ancestor’s cemetery be
re-numbered to be 10. Mr. MacGunnigle did extensive research on the
history of the cemetery, and prepared a report to be attached to the
minutes

Pegee Malcolm announced that the Route 37 reburial is scheduled for
June 24th – June 27th at Knight Street State Institution Cemetery.

Pegee Malcolm discussed that the Cemetery Commission has an Intern,
through the Secretary of State, who is working on recording GPS
coordinates under Evelyn Wheeler, Chairwoman’s direction

Sally Small discussed that the next phase of grave restoration, for
slate markers, has been coordinated by the Barrington Cemetery Commission for August 18th – 22nd

Motion to close meeting at 8 pm and begin Open Forum by Robert
Butler, second by Judy Fardig Two members of the Tiverton Historical
Cemetery Commission discussed that the Newport Daily News published an
extensive story today regarding member Isobel Hart completed project to
create and place concrete footstones for 63 identified burials in the
pauper cemetery adjacent to the Tiverton Town Hall

Motion to adjourn at 8:15 by Bruce MacGunnigle, second by Robert
Butler. Voted 7 – 0 to adjourn.

Next Meeting: September 17th at 6:30 pm at the West Greenwich Town
Hall

Meetings will be held on
the 3rd Wednesday of September, November, April and June,
and at the call of the Chair for special meetings

Follow most recent
Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised if there is an issue

Quorum
shall constitute 50% of current membership +1, members
must be present and voting

Notice of meetings to be
posted on the Secretary of State website in accordance with open
meeting laws

Approved minutes
of meetings will be posted on the Secretary of State website in
accordance with open meeting laws

Members will demonstrate
a commitment to the organization’s mission as stated in the GL
23-18.3.1

Members will contribute
his/her skills and knowledge

Members will inform
him/herself on issues that affect the organization’s goals as
stated in the GL 23-18.3.1

Members will not miss
more than three consecutive, unexcused meetings

Chairwoman
Wheeler again called for a vote to approve the amended Rules and
Regulations. Voted 8-0 to approve.

(2)
Chairwoman Wheeler distributed
the proposed modifications to RI GL 23-18.3-2 that were the result of a
meeting with Karen Ellsworth

It was
noted by the Commission members that the quorum in the proposed legisla-

tion was
written as 11, with the understanding that additional members would be
added. Commission members requested that Chairwoman Wheeler ask that it
be modified to read 50% of current membership +1.

Bruce
MacGunnigle moved to endorse the proposed legislation with the amendment
noted above, with Judy Fardig seconding the motion.

Discussion
centered around concerns about cleanups that might be organized, with or
without the Commission’s knowledge, and what can be done if folks are
not following the proper notification procedure or the “Do’s and Don’ts”

(7)
Motion to adjourn meeting and
begin Open Forum at 7:55 pm by Judy Fardig, with a second by Robert
Butler

Voted 8-0
to adjourn meeting and begin Open Forum

(8)
Discussion of the damage that
tree roots can do in terms of naturally toppling stones

(9)
Thirty volunteers gathered to
help the Friends of Smithfield Cemeteries to repair the stones that were
toppled in Greenville Cemetery in Smithfield on April 26th.
The vandalized stones were back up in 2 ½ hours!

(10)Benjamin Emerson stone with SAR emblem found in Cumberland

(11)Discussion of a cemetery cleanup in Burriville that is thwarted by
neighbors throwing grass clippings into the cemetery repeatedly.
Attendees suggested doing an article in the local paper regarding the
problem, and having the local paper print the laws relevant to the fines
if stones are covered up. Other suggestions included making copies of
the laws and mailing it to the neighbors that are doing it

Sally Small recommended that a complete and updated list (including
contact information) be compiled and posted on the website. A volunteer
recruiter is needed to approach the other towns not listed above.

2. Rules and Regulations that were voted on last time were
reviewed, and modifications were recommended

1. Modify to read: Meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday
of September, November, April and June, and at the call of the Chair
for special meetings

4. Modify to read: Follow most recent Roberts Rules of Order
Newly

Revised if there is an issue

5. It was noted that RIGL 23-18.3.2 states that a quorum shall
constitute 11 members. Chairwoman Wheeler was urged by the
Commission members to recommend that the law be changed to 50% of
membership +1

3. Discussion of the Commission’s role when “new” cemeteries are
discovered, and what “registering” means. It was agreed that the
Commission’s role is advisory only.

4. Item (i) of Title 23 states that a chairperson shall be
elected annually, and makes no mention of a Vice-Chairperson. It was
agreed that Chairwoman Wheeler will recommend the inclusion of an
elected Vice-Chairperson. Further, the Commission members in attendance
agreed to table new elections until September of 2008

5. Discussion of Ron Onorato’s resignation deferred to next open
meeting

6. Discussion of possible Committees (Promotional, Volunteer
Coordinators, Recruiters for each town, School Mentoring) was deferred
until a further discussion with Karen Ellsworth on Bylaws can be
scheduled

7. Chairwoman Wheeler discussed RIGL’s that are in the works.
Chairwoman Wheeler, Pegee Malcom, Sally Small, and Carolyn Crist-Schwab
will attend a meeting with Karen Ellsworth – date to be determined

8. Chairwoman Wheeler announced that the Newport County cemetery
information index will soon be on the website, thanks to the help of
John Sterling and Debbie Nunes

9. Discussion of Mission and Purpose tabled until further
discussion regarding Bylaws

10. Next Earth Day cleanup is scheduled for April 19th, with a rain
date of April 26th. Chairwoman Wheeler is participating in a
large-scale clean-up of Pocasset Cemetery in Cranston, and Cranston has
offered dumpsters and volunteers. Carolyn Crist-Schwab discussed the
need for oversight and responsibility of volunteers.

11. Commission appointments end in September of this year, and
members interested in remaining on the Commission should draft a letter
of intent. Chairwoman Wheeler to determine who the letters should be
sent to, and will notify Commission members.

Work session adjourned at 8:25 pm on a motion by Chairwoman Wheeler
and a second by Bruce MacGunnigle

Next meeting: April 30th at 6:30 pm in Chepachet at the Glocester
Town Hall in the Council Chambers

Minutes of November 28, 2007

Old Business: Meeting minutes from October 24, 2007 – several minor
corrections were noted Motion to approve minutes with corrections noted:
9 – 0 in favor Next meeting confirmed – April 30th at the Chepachet
Senior Center or Town Hall

New Business:

All Commission members are asked to encourage Historical
Societies in their communities to start a cemetery committee or an
Adopt a Cemetery program Commission Meeting Rules and Regulations
discussion

Meetings will be held on a quarterly basis on the last Wednesday
of the month and at the call of the Chair for special meetings

Notice of meetings to be posted on the Secretary of State
website in accordance with open meeting laws

Minutes of meetings will be posted on the Secretary of State
website in accordance with open meeting laws

Follow most recent Roberts Rules of Order if there is an issue

Quorum shall constitute 50% of membership + 1

Members will demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s
mission

Members will contribute his/her skills and knowledge

Members will inform him/herself on issues that affect the
organization’s goals

Members will attend all meetings, and not miss more than three
consecutive, unexcused

Brief discussion of the Commission’s role when new cemeteries
are discovered Motion to convene into Executive Session at 7:02 pm:
10 – 0 in favor Quarterly meeting called back into order following
Executive Session at 8:00 pm Motion to seal Executive Session
meeting minutes: 10 – 0 in favor Motion to table further discussion
of the Commission’s role when new cemeteries are discovered: 10 – 0
in favor Discussion regarding the Department of Transportation’s
progress with re-interring the remains of 67 individuals from the
State Farm cemetery 1

The genealogical notification was run in local newspapers in
accordance with the law, and no direct ancestors have come forward
to date

Using an 1887 plot map and a main index at the state archives,
some individuals without name plates have been identified

The Cranston City Council is scheduled to review the permit to
re-inter 65 of the individuals on December 17th Job Corps has 200
students ready to assist in all aspects of cleaning and documenting
cemeteries – they will start in Exeter, where they are based, but
can expand to other areas of the state:

Repairing stone walls and gates

Debris clean-up and removal

Signage inspection and GPS recording

Program set up to record project

Documenting head stones

Manual will be written for future classes and years Seniors
Helping Others (SHO) has 700 volunteers Meeting with Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in December Possible projects for
volunteers

Cross referencing burial records from assorted documents

Researching property deeds to find easements or rights of way

Entering information into the computer

Checking cemeteries for disrepair, signage, etc…

Dosing GPS readings of cemeteries

Writing news reports, letters, etc…

Documenting stones

Writing history programs

Writing brochures

Regular meeting adjourned 8:33 pm Open Forum

Discussion regarding construction in Johnston near a historical
cemetery

75 copies of the North Kingstown cemetery book available for
$10.00 – call Althea at 295-5684 if interested

Town of West Warwick still looking into the formation of a
Cemetery Commission

Discussions A discussion was held on the possibility of requesting
that each city or town or local historical society contribute $425 each
that would be used for a statewide data base benefiting each city and
town. The data base would lead to cemetery improvement through graves
registration, cemetery documentation, etc. Edna Kent will draft a letter
for discussion at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Chairwoman Wheeler mentioned that the Commission is proceeding with
an application for a grant from Preserve Rhode Island, administered
through Citizens Bank. Chairwoman Wheeler said such grants are matching
and usually total $300 to $1,000.

Bruce Frail submitted a four-page report to Commission members on
plans of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War/Department of Rhode
Island to restore the St. James/Bernon Cemetery in Woonsocket. Mr.
Frail, who serves as graves registration officer and project manager for
the SUVCW/Dept. of Rhode Island’s Graves Registration Committee,
discussed the report in detail. He estimated the total restoration cost
at $139,491 for the 2+-acre cemetery, which had 232 internments,
including Henry C. Davis, 17, the first Rhode Island soldier to die in
the Civil War.

Chairwoman Wheeler announced that Ron Onorato of Newport has resigned
from the Commission.

Chairwoman Wheeler, at the urging of the Commission, will discuss
with the state Representatives who filed the bill setting up the
Commission the possibility of adding up to four (4) members to the
Commission from Providence County. The additional members will be of
help with the large amount of historic cemeteries in Providence County.
She will also ask the Representatives about the possibility of amending
the law creating the Commission to allow for staggered terms and longer
terms for members.

(2)

Chairwoman Wheeler discussed a suggestion from the Attorney General’s
Office that the Commission adopt rules and regulations. Among the
suggestions discussed by Commission members were: having a quorum equal
fifty (50) percent of Commission members, plus one (1); and for the
removal of any Commissioner who misses three (3) consecutive meetings.

Daniel Evangelista discussed Rhode Island Public Law 30-25-12 that
calls on the General Assembly to appropriate money from time to time to
care for the neglected graves of veterans. He said there might be the
possibility of obtaining money for the clearing of graves and their
surroundings through the law. He said he will try to determine the last
time money was appropriated for such purposes, if ever, and whether
money is still in that account, if ever appropriated.

Pegee Malcolm asked about the possibility of obtaining a sign for
State Institutional Cemetery #2, where internments are being re-buried.
Mr. Evangelista said he would find out.

Adjourment The work session was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. on a motion by
Judith Fardig and a second by Daniel Evangelista.

Next Meeting The Commission will meet on Nov. 28 at the Buttonwoods
Senior Center, West Shore Road, Warwick. The Commissioners will meet in
public from 6:30 to 7 p.m. An executive session will be held at 7 p.m.
An open forum session will begin at 7:30 p.m.

I. Upcoming meeting schedule (all regular meetings will be held
the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm)

Work Session: October 24th at RIHPC (150 Benefit St.
Providence) to coordinate statewide clean-up, discuss rules and
regulations for the Commission, and to complete Citizens Bank
“Preserve RI” grant application

November 28th at Buttonwoods Senior Center, Warwick

April 30th: Chepachet Senior Center?

May 28th: Warren Senior Center?

Sept 24th: West Greenwich?

II. Next statewide clean-up is November 3rd

Keep Blackstone Valley Clean and Environmental Services in
Providence have offered the use of tools, gloves, bags, etc… to
aid in the clean-up

Commission is taking suggestions for cemeteries that need
cleaning

III. Charlotte Taylor from RIHPC

Federal law protects cultural resources of states, but
cemeteries are often not eligible for the National Register

The RI Cemeteries Act protects cemeteries, but RIHPC does
not have direct authority – the Act gives the towns and cities
authority

RIHPC will write letters to towns/cities regarding the
preservation of cemeteries, but their main role is to assist in
ensuring that the archaeology is done properly

The general consensus was that the Book was well-received by
the majority of the recipients

Bristol and Barrington almost complete – need 2 more big
books and 1 more small book

Burriville, Scituate and Foster are almost complete – 2 more
to deliver (Burriville HS and Foster Library)

Johnston City Clerk, Portsmouth, Middletown, New Shoreham,
Jamestown, Glocester, East Greenwich, Cumberland, Woonsocket,
Lincoln, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Barrington, Coventry,
Exeter, West Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick, Cranston, East
Providence, North Providence, and South Kingstown are completed

Bruce included information on East Greenwich Cemeteries in
all the books he delivered

VI. Upcoming Events

Senior Fair at Warwick Mall on October 10th 9 – 4 – looking
for volunteers to help staff the booth

Cultural Fair at Foxwoods on October 20th – looking for
volunteers to help staff the booth

VII. Report on West Greenwich Cemetery GPS coordinates project

103 of the 153 recorded cemeteries have been done

Work should be completed within the next two months

John Sterling and others are assisting with the project

VIII. SUVCW report: Bruce Frail

St. James Cemetery in Woonsocket restoration project going
well

To date, 180 burial locations, including all 14 veterans,
have been identified

The owner of the property is interested in donating the
land, and the hope is to restore the property into a park and
cemetery

IX. Individual Town and City Cemetery Commissions

Warwick, Tiverton, Coventry, Barrington, Warren, Westerly,
Narragansett, Smithfield, Cumberland, and Charlestown all have
either a Commission, or a division of their Historical Society
that focuses on cemeteries

West Warwick is looking at creating a Commission

X. Other New Business

Newport Daily News: September 25th did a story on the
photographic documentation of the Common Burial Ground in
Newport

Volunteers are needed for GPS readings of cemeteries to be
submitted to RIGIS

Planning on coordinating with Hendricken Community Service
to get volunteers to help with cemetery clean-ups, etc…

Eugene Card (Scituate) looking for volunteers to help get
cemetery clean-up debris loaded in a dumpster this weekend –
volunteers can contact him by phone

Open Forum

Discussion of the smallpox cemetery located on Naval War
College property – attendees were seeking advice on who to
contact regarding this cemetery, which is now covered by a
tennis court

Barrington Cemetery Commission has a retired teacher who has
offered to take photographs of stones

General discussion on the need to document the stones in
cemeteries; including transcriptions, photographs, mapping; as
much as possible since the stones that are legible now may not
be legible 25 years from now

Discussion of a property owner in Newport whose driveway
appears to be encroaching on a historical cemetery

Minutes of June 27, 2007

I. Minutes of work session on May 30, 2007 • Approved 9 -0 to
waive reading of the minutes, Accepted 9-0

II. Report on findings for contacts at town halls regarding
cemeteries 1 Distributed form for noting any additional contacts,
returned to Evelyn

New Business

I. Discussion regarding next year’s meeting schedule 1 Approved
9-0 to continue moving location around state 2 Approved 8-1 to
continue holding the meetings at 6:30 pm on last Wednesday of the
month

II. Books are ready for commission members to be delivered to
their counties. • A copy will go to each Town/City Clerk, Assessor,
Planner, Historical Society (if applicable), and Library. • Separate
copy to each Town/City Department of Public Works and Police
Department • Books will be delivered to the above personally and
each commission member will make note of the delivery.

III. Discussion regarding opening a checking acct for Tax Exempt
app • Voted 9-0 to go through the Secretary of State and check into
Certified Local Government status

IV. Discussion on a Fall Cleanup state-wide • Approved 9-0 to
schedule one for the first week of November

V. Report on State House visit by Pegee and Evelyn • 9 Ordinances
were presented to Karen Ellsworth, Counsel for the Finance
Commission • Informed that ordinances involving giving descendants
right of way to pass and re-pass on private property were not going
to be approved • Two were on the calendar, but were passed over and
will be reintroduced next session. Others will be reintroduced also.

VI. Other New Business • Bruce MacGunnigle distributed References
to Cemetery, Cemeteries, Burial, and Burials in East Greenwich, RI,
Charter, Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances

I. Don Gagnon, Chair of the North Smithfield Conservation
Commission thanked the Commission and Edna for their assistance with
helping to get the “mystery mounds” registered and stopping a
developer from building on the site

II. West Greenwich Town Planner working on recording all
historical cemeteries on Plat maps, and considering making the
cemeteries a separate lot, having separate ownership for them, or
including deeded access to them

III. Coventry is developing a Historical Cemetery Commission
similar to the existing Warwick Historical Cemetery Commission

IV. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War are working on a
clean-up and fixing 90 stones at Intervale Cemetery North
Providence.

VII. Discussion regarding the work that the Friends of Smithfield
Cemeteries is doing with cleaning up cemeteries, documentation of
before and after photos, and logging GPS coordinates

VIII. Question from a Chepachet resident regarding a cemetery
that abuts her backyard and impact on a property owner behind hers
request to build an access road to his property through hers because
his property is land locked and the access road would go right next
to the cemetery.

IX. Blackstone Valley Tourism, as part of “Project Clean America”
will provide loaner equipment and supplies to assist in cemetery
cleanups

Next Meeting: September 26, 2007 6:30 pm at the Newport Public
Library Meeting adjourned 7:55 pm